Naruto Hosts Anime's Strongest Heroes, But Its Weakest Ninjas Hit a New Low

Naruto is known for showcasing some of the strongest ninjas in anime, with Konoha producing many of the strongest and most recognized characters. However, not every ninja from this legendary village is equally skilled or formidable. While the series celebrates exceptional talents like the Hokage and elite jonin, it also highlights that not everyone reaches such heights. In a world where strength and skill often determine one’s legacy, some characters inevitably fall short, overshadowed by their stronger peers.

Konoha, despite its reputation for nurturing incredible shinobi, is also home to individuals who struggle to keep up. These weaker ninjas serve as a reminder that not everyone can reach the top, even in a village renowned for its strength. Their presence highlights the diversity of skill levels among Konoha's population. Not everyone can be the best, but each shinobi contributes in their own ninja way​​​​​.

10 Mizuki

The Ninja Who Fooled Naruto in the First Episode

Mizuki was introduced in the first episode of Naruto. He might not be one of the major side characters, but he still left an impression on fans. This is because of his role in Naruto’s journey of acceptance. A former academy instructor and chunin from Konoha, Mizuki never matched the caliber of the teachers like Kakashi Hatake or his former friend Iruka Umino. His envy towards Iruka, who surpassed him in rank and recognition, fueled his downfall.

While the Third Hokage praised Mizuki for his cleverness and skill with large shuriken, his misconduct and selfishness prevented him from advancing to jonin. Determined to gain power at any cost, Mizuki exploited Naruto’s pain. He deceived him into stealing the Scroll of Seals for his own greed. His hunger for power, not his abilities, defined his limits, making him one of the weakest ninjas in Konoha’s history.

9 Iruka Umino

Naruto's Father Figure and the Academy's Headmaster

Iruka is a respected ninja in Konoha, though he was never promoted to jonin like some of his peers. Unlike his childhood friend Mizuki, who lost his way due to selfish ambition, Iruka's life was marked by resilience and selflessness. Despite becoming an orphan at an early age, he led an honorable life and earned his place as an academy instructor. Iruka was one of the most significant figures in Naruto's life, serving not only as a great teacher but also as a compassionate father figure.

While Iruka often appeared during Naruto’s emotional arcs, offering comfort and advice, he was absent from Naruto's best battles and fights. As a teacher, Iruka was skilled in basic ninja techniques and could use genjutsu and barrier ninjutsu, though these abilities were never advanced. Many of his students, including Naruto, later surpassed him. Despite being weaker than most Konoha ninjas, Iruka's warm-hearted personality and dedication earned him deep respect in the village, which eventually contributed a lot to him gaining the role of the academy’s headmaster.

8 TenTen

The Kuniochi Who Aspired to be the Next Tsunade Senju

Tenten, a member of Naruto’s inner circle, often appeared in filler episodes throughout Naruto. As part of Team Guy alongside Rock Lee and Neji Hyuga, Tenten was cherished by her team but struggled to match the strength and development her teammates achieved. She once dreamed of becoming a kunoichi as accomplished as Tsunade Senju and hoped to be a renowned medical ninja. However, she eventually realized she lacked the chakra control needed to fulfill that ambition.

Tenten couldn’t keep up with the ninjutsu and taijutsu prowess of her teammates like Neji or fellow kunoichi like Sakura and Hinata. However, she excelled in weaponry and fuinjutsu. Her mastery over heavy ninja tools, an ability requiring rigorous training, made her a unique asset. Though considered among the weakest, Tenten’s exceptional weapon skills remain unmatched by her peers.

7 Ebisu

Team Konohamaru's Protective Teacher

Ebisu is a jonin known for his expertise in training future elite ninjas. He served as the teacher of Konohamaru Sarutobi, Moegi, and Udon, showing dedication and kindness, particularly toward his students. Unlike Mizuki, Ebisu was a protective and by-the-book instructor. While his skills as a jonin were evident, he was rarely seen in significant battles like his former teammate Guy. Instead, Ebisu shined as a mentor, appearing frequently in scenes with Konohamaru.

Kakashi even highlighted Ebisu’s strength as a skilled trainer, a role that demands extensive knowledge of both basic and advanced techniques. His efforts paid off, as his students became respected academy teachers in Boruto: Naruto Next Generation. However, Ebisu’s expertise lay in teaching rather than combat. Though he used shadow clones and fire jutsu, he never honed these skills enough to stand against Naruto’s formidable enemies. Still, there's no doubt that Ebisu is one of Naruto's best teachers.

6 Kiba Inuzuka

He Displayed Confidence, But His Abilities Stagnated.

Kiba had one of the most engaging personalities in the series. He brought fun and energy, especially in its earlier parts. As a member of Konoha's Inuzuka clan, known for their strong bond with canines and unique combat style, Kiba was admired for his potential and clan legacy. However, despite this promising start, he never achieved the flashy improvements seen in his peers.

Though Kiba might seem egotistic, it was more of a facade to hide his softer, caring nature, especially toward his friends. His combat style heavily relied on his trusted canine companion, Akamaru. Together, they executed techniques like Fang Over Fang and transformed into a two-headed wolf using Fang Wolf Fang. Kiba possessed impressive senses, speed, and physical strength. He also played a great support role during the Fourth Great Ninja War. Despite these skills, his straightforward approach and lack of significant growth caused him to fall behind his friends, who evolved far beyond their initial potential.

5 Ino Yamanaka

Her Impressive Mind Jutsus Were Not Enough to Rival Sakura

Ino’s friendly rivalry with Sakura led fans to initially believe she would achieve similar growth in the series. Unlike Sakura, Ino hails from the Yamanaka clan, renowned for their mind-related jutsu and role in the Konoha Barrier Team. As part of a family that represents Konoha’s strength, high expectations surrounded her. Alongside Shikamaru and Choji, she formed their generation’s Ino-Shika-Cho, mentored by Asuma Sarutobi. While she could fight, her Yamanaka abilities were not suited for intense, fast-paced battles.

Ino became a reliable and impactful ninja, especially when teaming up with Shikamaru and Choji to defeat opponents. However, in solo battles, she was at a disadvantage. While her Mind Transfer Jutsu could infiltrate an enemy’s mind, it left her body vulnerable. Her sensory jutsu proved invaluable during the Fourth Great Ninja War, especially after her father’s death. Still, without her team’s support, Ino excelled as a strategist but never achieved Sakura’s incredible character development and combat skills despite their early rivalry. All of this leaves Ino as one of Naruto's most underrated heroes.

4 Hinata Hyuga

Konoha's Byakugan Princess

Hinata's shy and timid demeanor might lead anyone to quickly judge her as a kunoichi who is not very strong. After the Uchiha clan was annihilated, the Hyuga succeeded as Konoha's strongest clan; therefore, as a wielder of the Byakugan, Hinata being powerful should not come as a surprise. However, despite being the clan's heiress, she never met expectations, and her cousin, Neji Hyuga, continued to surpass her. Hinata's lack of confidence hindered her growth in the series. But as she witnessed Naruto's determination and fell in love with him, she became more confident in her skills.

Trained extensively in the Gentle Fist fighting style, Hinata also mastered Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists, a technique that drains an opponent’s chakra. While her abilities weren't enough to take down major villains, her Byakugan and training allowed her to step into the battlefield and fight. Despite this, she never had the determination or genius skills of Neji. Even after his death, Neji remained the Hyuga clan's strongest member until the birth of Boruto and Himawari Uzumaki.

3 Shizune

She Could Have Been Tsunade's Successor

She might have kept a low profile in the series, always seen under Tsunade’s shadow, but Shizune’s abilities were still notable. Among everyone who aspired to be like Tsunade, Shizune got the closest call; however, she lacked the combat prowess necessary to stand out. Her contributions were mainly in assisting as a skilled medical ninja, with expertise that was undeniable and highly valued.

While her knowledge as a medical ninja was irreplaceable, it was not enough to make her the rightful successor to Tsunade Senju. Shizune remained loyal and reliable, offering crucial support during missions, but she could never match Tsunade’s battlefield strength or Sakura’s immense growth as Tsunade’s apprentice. Despite her limitations, Shizune’s dedication to her role earned her respect, even if she stayed in the background.

2 Kurenai

An Incredible Genjutsu User That Fell Short

Kurenai Yuhi is often perceived as one of the weakest ninjas in the Naruto series for several reasons. She was undoubtedly a remarkable shinobi—achieving the elite rank of Jonin and mastering genjutsu. However, she lacked opportunities to showcase her abilities, especially compared to her peers. One major example of this is her encounter with Itachi and Kisame.

In that particular battle, Kurenai's genjutsu, considered her strongest skill, was effortlessly countered and overpowered by Itachi. This scene shows the significant power gap between her and top-tier ninjas, such as the Uchiha clan members. Moreover, unlike Kakashi, Guy, or even Asuma, Kurenai lacked significant character development, causing her to fall behind not only her peers but also the succeeding generations. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that achieving the Jonin rank is a testament to her exceptional skills as a ninja.

1 Konohamaru Sarutobi

His Potential Led to Great Disappointment in the Sequel

Konohamaru Sarutobi was not meant to turn out the way he did in the Boruto series. In Naruto, Konohamaru displayed incredible potential, even as a child. For instance, during the preparations for the Fourth Great Ninja War, he encountered Temari and forced her to draw her weapon. Konohamaru demonstrates his skill and positions himself as a worthy rival to Naruto and even a future successor of the Seventh Hokage.

However, in Boruto, Konohamaru seems to have fallen short, appearing as one of the weakest ninjas in the series. While reaching the Jonin rank is a testament to his abilities, his performance in battle tells otherwise. In the fight against Isshiki, for example, Konohamaru, alongside other skilled shinobi, was swiftly defeated, highlighting a disappointing gap between his potential and his portrayal. If Konohamaru had not been in an era where his opponents were gods, then maybe he could not have ended up in the sidelines and might have become as impactful as Kakashi.

Naruto

First Film

Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow

Latest Film

Boruto: Naruto the Movie

First TV Show

Naruto

Latest TV Show

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

First Episode Air Date

October 3, 2002

Cast

Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura, Kazuhiko Inoue, Nana Mizuki, Hideo Ishikawa, Yûko Sanpei

Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.

Current Series

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

TV Show(s)

Naruto, Naruto: Shippuden, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

Video Game(s)

Naruto: Clash Of Ninja Revolution 3, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja (2003), Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, Naruto: Rise Of A Ninja, Naruto: The Broken Bond, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker, Naruto Shippuden Dragon Blade Chronicles, Naruto: Path Of The Ninja, Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

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